Football offense training sleeves

ABSTRACT

A forearm sleeve includes an elongated, tubular fabric substrate having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end defines an upper opening and the upper end and lower end are separated by a forearm sleeve length selected such that when a user&#39;s arm is received at the upper end, the tubular fabric substrate extends at least from an elbow to a wrist on the user&#39;s arm. The lower end defines a lower opening dimensioned to envelop the wrist of the user and to admit the hand and wrist of the user. A diagram of an offensive formation provided is affixed onto the substrate between said upper end and said lower section. A compressive member serves to position the diagram on the forearm of the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technology relates to training aids for young football players, morespecifically to the offensive line.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In American football, the quarterback relays, to his teammates, in thehuddle, the play the coach has called. The play is a mental blueprint ordiagram for every player's expected actions on the field. Quarterbacksare also allowed to “audibilize,” or change the play at the line ofscrimmage. A changed play is called an audible. Quarterbacks usuallyaudibilize when they discover that the defense has guessed correctly andis properly aligned to stop the play.

Everything the quarterback says in the huddle refers specifically to theassignments of his receivers, running backs, offensive linemen, andcenter. For example, the quarterback may say “686 Pump F-Stop on two.”Here's how that breaks down:

686: The first three numbers are the passing routes that the receiversknown as X, Y, and Z—should take. Every team numbers its pass routes andpatterns, giving receivers an immediate signal of what routes to run. Onthis play, the X receiver runs a 6 route, the Y receiver an 8 route, andthe Z receiver another 6 route. F-Stop: Refers to the fullback's passroute. Two: Refers to the count on which the quarterback wants the ballsnapped to him. In other words, the center will snap the ball on thesecond sound.

Most teams snap the ball on the first, second, or third count unlessthey're purposely attempting to draw the opposition offside by using anextra-long count. For example, if the quarterback has been asking forthe ball on the count of two throughout the game, he may ask for theball on the count of three, hoping that someone on the defense will moveprematurely.

In coaching young players, however, these audibles become verydifficult, not because the players cannot grasp the code for audible butbecause they are not able to connect the numbers with the locations ofthe holes through which the quarterback is ordering them to travel andwhere the quarterback will be looking for them as a receiver. Theseyoung players cannot remember where they need to be and need some sortof quick and handy reminder for determining where they will have totravel at the snap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A forearm sleeve includes an elongated, tubular fabric substrate havingan upper end and a lower end. The upper end defines an upper opening andthe upper end and lower end are separated by a forearm sleeve lengthselected such that when a user's arm is received at the upper end, thetubular fabric substrate extends at least from an elbow to a wrist onthe user's arm. The lower end defines a lower opening dimensioned toenvelop the wrist of the user and to admit the hand and wrist of theuser. A diagram of an offensive formation provided is affixed onto thesubstrate between said upper end and said lower section. A compressivemember serves to position the diagram on the forearm of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention aredescribed in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a formation of an Offensive Line in the game of American RulesFootball; and

FIG. 2 is a garment of substrate having a forearm sleeve onto which aformation diagram is affixed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Unlike Little League baseball, or youth basketball, a football offenseis an incredibly complex system of interconnected parts. No other sportin America features eleven separate players in so many disparatepositions, each with its own responsibilities and techniques. No othersport relies so heavily upon utter teamwork.

In basketball, Michael Jordan was able to dominate the NBA and winmultiple championships for the Chicago Bulls virtually on his own (notto detract from the skills and hard work of his teammates). In soccer,only a few players can traverse the entire field at any one time, sowhile the sport includes eleven players, the actual play rarely involvesmore than three from any one side. Other sports like lacrosse and hockeyare quite similar. Football, on the other hand, relies, for scoring, onthe concerted efforts of the entire offensive team.

Coaching the offensive line in youth football is a skill that can makethe difference between an average offense and a great offense. Theoffensive line has more information to learn than most any otherposition on the football field. Players need to be able to process theplay, locate their blocking assignment and then execute the propertechniques to get the job done. One who watches much youth footballknows that this process fails on a regular basis. One of twocircumstances occur on most every failed block, the player forgets hisassignment and blocks the wrong person (or no person) or the playerremembers his assignment but utilized so much brain power in rememberingthat he was incapable of executing a good technical block.

Coaches have routinely relied upon numbering systems to direct theoffense as to where they are to move. Numbering systems attain twoadvantages that are immediately exploited by the young players whenproperly used: they allow rapid concise communication of assignments andthe numbers can be readily committed to memory. There are twotraditional numbering systems familiar to coaches at all levels ofcompetition; they are:

Wing-T System—In use prior to the introduction of the Wing-T itself, thesystem became synonymous with Tubby Raymond's Delaware Wing-T scheme.Each hole, the space between the players on the line of scrimmage (LOS),has a designated number and begins on the right. (‘1’ hole is the areaoutside the last man on the right side of the LOS, ‘2’ hole is betweenthe receiver and the right tackle, etc.)

Odd/Even System—This system uses the center as the starting point forhole numbering; even numbers to the right of the center and odd numbersto the left of the center. (‘2’ hole between the center and right guard,e.g.)

While either system can be used to equal advantage in coaching,throughout this description of the invention, the Odd/Even system willbe used. It is the specific intent of the inventor not to limit theinvention to the Odd/Even system as the Wing T system can be substitutedfor the Odd/Even with no effect upon the efficacy of the invention. Theinventor asserts that for each of two systems, the practice of theinvention will be, otherwise, equally carried out in accord with thisdisclosure and the selection of the Odd/Even system is arbitratry andmerely for the purpose of explaining the use of the invention in anonlimiting fashion.

Reviewing now, FIG. 1, the Odd/Even system is set out in graphic formatfor purposes of the discussion. From an older (circa 1965) University ofOregon Ducks play book entitled “University of Oregon Football,Terminology and Procedures,” the following is an explanation of thegraphic:

I. Numbering System

a. The numbering system is based upon assigning a number to the spaceoccupied by the offensive linemen and tight end(s). This space is termeda “HOLE.”

b. Holes to the right of the center are even (0,2,4,6,8) [referencenumbers 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 respectively].

c. Holes to the left of the center are odd (1,3,5,7,9) [referencenumbers 21, 23, 25, 27, and 29 respectively].

II. Position Identification

a. Our linemen are referred to as Right Guard and Tackle, Left Guard andTackle, and Center [undifferentiated as reference number 15].

b. Our Running Backs are termed “Fullback” and “Tailback” [referencenumbers 17 and 18 repectively].

c. The Fullback is given the number “3” when carrying the ball. (i.e.,30 Trap Fullback through the zero hole.)

d. In our passing game, he is assigned the letter “F” [reference number17].

e. The Tailback is labeled with the number “2” and the letter “T”[reference number 18].

f. The Quarterback is referred to with the number 1 and the letter “Q”[reference number 16].

g. The Split End is referred to by the letter “X” [reference number 11].

h. The Tight End is referred to as “Y” [reference number 12].

i. The Flanker is referred to with the letter “Z” and the number “4”[reference number 13].

j. The second tight end is referred to as “H” when he replaces “X/T” or“F.”

In this single graphic, the basis for audible signals is captured andthe visual, while not immediately committable to memory is entirelyexplanatory of audible commands on the field. The problem is that theyouths that play are not as familiar with numbering and when they losetrack of the meaning of the audible because of confusing left and rightor simply losing track of the numbering all together, they are far lesseffective on the field.

The formative skills are reinforced when, because of being aware of theaudibles, the players connect for yardage on the field. The more rapidlythat connection can occur, the more rapidly the young players connectwith their assigned roles on the offense. For that reason, any aid toallow them to readily reference to the formation and movement isextremely valuable. Because the information is static, nothing aselaborate as the “Apparatus and Method for Improving In-GameCommunications During a Game” by Daniel, et al. issued on Feb. 28, 2012and having 8,126,143 is necessary to achieve, in the minds of the youngplayers, the basic orientation as to the positions and holes.

Given the proven viability of the diagram, the having the diagram 10 athand can be extremely useful in training young athletes. FIG. 2 is agarment of substrate 54 having a forearm sleeve 56 onto which aformation diagram 10 is affixed. Depicted in FIG. 2, a training garment50 includes a wearable substrate 54. As shown in this FIG. 2, thewearable substrate is, advantageously, an under jersey such as thosemost football players wear beneath their pads. The substrate, however,need not be confined only to a species of under jerseys, but might,instead, by affixed to a forearm sleeve 56 of a compressive arm sleeve.Compression arm sleeves such as the EvoShield™ Compression Arm Sleeveand the Russell Athletic™ Full Arm Compression Arm Sleeve might alsoserve as a suitable garment comprising substrate 54.

Compression Arm Sleeves have enjoyed favor with young athletes when wornin conjunction with a short sleeve under jersey. Believed to improvecirculation for better muscle recovery; youth football players assertthat the arm sleeves enable them to stay fresh and loose for eliteperformance while lending increased stamina for better performance latein the game. When properly designed for anatomic relief about the elbow,the sleeve lends additional elbow support to further help reduce fatigueand elbow soreness during the game. Many young football playersappreciate the protection from “turf-burn” and scratches from slidingand diving on hustle plays, the sleeves afford.

In any embodiment of the invention, a compressive member serves toposition the diagram 10 to be visible to the user and is necessary inorder to assure that the substrate forearm sleeve comprises will notshift when a player assumes a three-point stance. In a three-pointstance (or alternatively the ready stance), the player positions his orher feet at about shoulder width, generally no wider than the shoulderswith the feet pointing straight ahead. Once the feet are aligned, theplayer drops into a squatting position extending the down hand(generally the left hand) slightly inside the near foot, in front of theplayer's body. At this point, the body weight is suspended with 70%resting on feet/hips and 30% on the hand. Importantly, the arm and handthat is not on the ground is positioned to be ready for quick use. Thearm will, in this stance, rest on the knee and hand will extend in anupright ready position.

In the ready stance, the substrate 54 is positioned to allow the playerto see the diagram. To assure that the diagram 10 remains in theabove-described position, the compressive member draws the substrate 54into snug contact with the user's forearm, thereby assuring properlocation thereon. The compressive member might be any suitable devicesuch as a strap of elastic material, a swatch of knit material, a lace,a strap of elastomer, or a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro™ eachwith opposing ends attached to the substrate to cause the substrate toform a bight as the compressive member draws the substrate 54 into snugcontact with the user's forearm preventing the diagram to shift from theposition on the forearm above described.

In any instance, the substrate 54 includes a forearm sleeve 56, ontowhich the diagram 10 is affixed and the compressive member (not shown).Affixation is, in a presently preferred embodiment, by screen printingwherein A screen is made of a piece of mesh stretched over a frame. Astencil is formed by blocking off parts of the screen in the negativeimage of the design to be printed; that is, the open spaces are wherethe ink will appear on the substrate.

Alternate forms of fixation may be through ink jet printing, fixation ofan applique (either stitched or fused). Still, other methods of fixationof the diagram include airbrush, embroidery, impressing or embossing,and the ironing on of flock lettering, heat transfers, ordye-sublimation transfers. Laser printers are likewise capable offixation using a special toner containing sublimation dyes which canthen be permanently fused to the substrate 54. In any regard thepractice of the invention is not dependent upon the mechanism by whichthe diagram is affixed to a forearm sleeve of the substrate.

One of the most useful applications has proven to include at least twoforearm sleeves 56 for some of the youngest of football players. In thatinstance, the Odd/Even System (A system which uses the center as thestarting point for hole numbering; even numbers to the right of thecenter and odd numbers to the left of the center. (‘2’ hole between thecenter and right guard, e.g.)) is employed and the young players referto the holes extending from 2 and progressing by even numbers on theright arm and from 1 and extending in odd numbers up the left arm. Inthis embodiment, young players are not even required to enter into theabstract thinking necessary to project from a single diagram into leftand right directions. Rather, by knowing which arm includes the number,they are aware of which way to go. One of the recurrent problems withthe youngest of players is their inability to remember their left andright directions and the correspondence with odd and even numbers inregular offensive play. There is proven utility in this two foresleeve56 embodiment. In its most elemental embodiment, the diagram consistsonly of the numbers extending up each of the forearm sleeves odds on theleft, evens on the right—little else is necessary to guide the youngoffensive line according to the audibles. Simply by looking at theirforearms, they can move to the side that has that number. The youngplayer does not have to remember left or right.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, as noted above, many changes can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope ofthe invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferredembodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely byreference to the claims that follow.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. An forearm sleevecomprising: an elongated, tubular fabric substrate having an upper endand a lower end, the upper end defining an upper opening, the upper endand lower end being separated by a forearm sleeve length selected suchthat when a user's arm is received at the upper end, the tubular fabricsubstrate extends at least from an elbow to a wrist on the user's arm,the lower end defines a lower opening dimensioned to envelop the wristof the user; a diagram of an offensive formation provided affixed ontothe substrate between said upper end and said lower end; and acompressive member to position to draw the substrate and the diagraminto snug contact with the forearm of the user.
 2. The forearm sleeve ofclaim 1, the diagram being affixed onto the substrate such that when theuser assumes a ready stance at the offensive line, the forearm sleeve ison the right arm of the user.
 3. The forearm sleeve of claim 1, thecompressive member comprises a strap of elastic material fastened to thesubstrate on opposing ends whereby the substrate is drawn into snugcontact with the user's forearm.
 4. The forearm sleeve of claim 1, thecompressive member comprises mating hook and loop faster sections. 5.The forearm sleeve of claim 1, the compressive member comprises stretchfabric.
 6. The forearm sleeve of claim 1, joined to substrate configuredto clothe a torso of the user together to form an underjersey.
 7. Theforearm sleeve of claim 1, wherein the compressive member comprises anelastic band.
 8. A training method for teaching football players properoffensive play in response to audible signals from the quarterback, themethod comprising: providing a diagram detailing features of theoffensive line in American Rules football; providing a substrate rolledto form a forearm sleeve having an upper end defining an upper openingand a lower end to define a lower opening the upper opening sized toadmit the arm of a user and the lower opening sized to admit the handand wrist of a user; affixing the diagram to the forearm sleeve in aposition such that it is visible to a user when wearing the forearmsleeve and assuming a ready stance; and compressing the substrate with acompression member to draw the substrate into snug contact with theuser's forearm thereby assuring that the substrate will not move fromits position.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the diagram is affixedonto the substrate such that when the user assumes a ready stance at theoffensive line, the forearm sleeve is worn on the right arm of the user.10. The method of claim 8, wherein the compressive member comprises astrap of elastic material fastened to the substrate on opposing endswhereby the substrate is drawn into snug contact with the user'sforearm.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the compressive membercomprises mating hook and loop faster sections.
 12. The method of claim8, wherein the compressive member comprises stretch fabric.
 13. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the forearm sleeve is joined to substrateconfigured to clothe a torso of the user together to form anunderjersey.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein the compressive membercomprises an elastic band.
 15. A forearm sleeve comprising: anelongated, tubular fabric substrate having an upper end and a lower end,the upper and lower ends each defining an upper and lower openingrespectively, the upper opening being sized to admit a user's forearmand the lower opening being sized to admit a user's hand and wrist; theupper end and lower end being separated by a forearm sleeve lengthselected such that when a user's arm is received at the upper end, thetubular fabric substrate extends at least from an elbow to a wrist onthe user's arm, a diagram of an offensive formation provided affixedonto the substrate between said upper end and said lower end; and acompressive member to position to draw the substrate and the diagraminto snug contact with the forearm of the user.
 16. The forearm sleeveof claim 15, the diagram being affixed onto the substrate such that whenthe user assumes a ready stance at the offensive line, the forearmsleeve is on the right arm of the user.
 17. The forearm sleeve of claim15, the compressive member comprises a strap of elastic materialfastened to the substrate on opposing ends whereby the substrate isdrawn into snug contact with the user's forearm.
 18. The forearm sleeveof claim 15, the compressive member comprises mating hook and loopfaster sections.
 19. The forearm sleeve of claim 15, the compressivemember comprises stretch fabric.
 20. The forearm sleeve of claim 15,joined to substrate configured to clothe a torso of the user together toform an underjersey.